AIDA Blog

by Rodrigo da Costa Sales

Altamira, the city closest to the dam. | Credit: Marcella Ribeiro / AIDA.

In addition to generalized violence, the other big worry in Altamira is basic sanitation. Despite this discouraging panorama people in Altamira still have hope that it will one day be a quiet and beautiful city again.Read more

by Scott Squires

Each year, as the problem intensifies, we’re reminded of our duty to stand up for environmental and human rights defenders, and of the need to institute adequate policies for their protection.Read more

by Sebastián Rodríguez

Hammerhead sharks were listed as an endangered species in 2014. | Credit: Vlad Karpinskiy / Flickr.

In Costa Rica, it’s now up to the government to decide the future of endangered hammerhead sharks. If the government halted the export of all hammerhead shark products in the next year, it could stave off extinction of these amazing creatures.Read more

by Scott Squires

A large salmon filet.

Although salmon is healthy—it’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and B-vitamins—increased U.S. demand for salmon is having an unhealthy impact on Chile’s environment. Chilean salmon farms endanger delicate coastal ecosystems, contribute to oceanic pollution, and threaten marine life along the pristine Magallanes shoreline.Read more

by Florencia Ortúzar

The Itaipu Dam, a huge hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay. | Credit: Mihai / Flickr.

During its last board meeting, the Green Climate Fund—charged with financing developing nations’ fight against climate change—approved two projects related to large dams. That means $136 million will finance large-scale hydropower, contradicting the Fund’s goal of stimulating a low-emission and climate-resilient future.Read more

by Camilo Thompson

Coral reefs in Cozumel, México. | Credit: Gustavo Danemann.

This month, the Mexican Senate’s Special Climate Change Commission decided to do something about the threats facing corals. They convened a series of meetings to promote the creation of a legislative instrument aimed exclusively at protecting the nation’s many reefs.Read more

by Scott Squires

Credit: Christian Geiselmann / SPDA Actualidad Ambiental.

It is with great sadness that we share news about the passing of Dr. Robert E. Moran, a distinguished hydrogeologist who was an immense resource in furthering environmental protection globally and a dedicated partner to AIDA.Read more

by Aida Navarro

Before I became a mother, I heard the question a thousand times: “Is it a good idea to bring more human beings into the world?” While being a mom is always difficult, being an environmentalist as well makes it even more so.Read more

by Gladys Martínez

For decades, the ocean has given us food and the genetic resources we use to produce life-saving drugs. | Credit: Klaus Stiefel / Flickr.

Despite its importance, the ocean remains unprotected in large part; no country governs the high seas, international waters that comprise 64 percent of the ocean’s total surface area. Management measures have given rise to a patchwork of uncoordinated protections.Read more

Any opinions expressed in this blog are the authors’ own and may not be shared by the organization. AIDA includes them with full respect for the freedom of expression and plurality of our team of professionals.